What Happens Next............
Doyle had called me on the night of the Givings incident. He wanted me to know that everything was good. That we'd speak soon. That "soon" was supposed to have been Tuesday, but another snow storm screwed that up. We agreed on this morning.
I had some blood work scheduled early, so we agreed to meet at the Woodbridge Mall Burger King when I got back. I always park at the Mall and take the bus to the hospital because it's just easier. We didn't set a time, but he'd know when I was on my way back. They keep a close eye on me.
Things went smoothly at the hospital, and I caught the 9:00 AM bus back, which got me in at 10:00. Doyle was standing beside my car, talking on his cell. As I got closer, he put the phone away, opened the passenger door and got in, which kinda pissed me off. I got in on the driver's side.
"What the..? How did you...?"
"Calm down, Denny. We arranged for you to get this car, remember? Anyway, I warmed her up and put gas in. You should be thanking me."
"Yeah, well.." I was calming down. Actually, I should've expected it. "I thought you wanted to meet at the Burger King?"
"Don't have the time today. Kinda on a tight leash. Besides, they don't have decaf coffee." His cell went off. He glanced at it, but didn't answer. "Things going on, and all. Just wanted to let you know that all is well with the Givings situation."
"Really? No one's the least bit put out that I did that?"
"Not really. She wasn't liked by many people. She was definitely not liked by the people who had to work with her."
"Then how did she get the job? You know, taking over for you?"
"Politics, Denny. See, there are two factions within the People Upstairs. Mr. Smith represents one. Mr., ah,.."
"Jones?"
"Yeah, Jones..Mr. Jones. He represents the other. It was to appease Mr. Jones that Givings got the job. Mr. Smith never really thought she could handle it. Apparently, he was right."
"OK. But.. how was it that I was able to use the Flasher on her? I thought..you told me once.. that it wasn't effective on DHS personnel. That you all had implants, like mine."
His phone went off again. Again, he looked but didn't answer.
"What I meant by that," he said, " was that field agents wouldn't be affected. Givings was not a field agent. She was strictly back office but got pushed forward by Mr. Jones, like I said. I never thought you'd run into anyone other then field agents."
His phone, again.
"Someone really want to get in touch with you. Maybe you should answer?"
"Nah. They know where I am and why I'm here. There's nothing I can do from here anyway."
The phone.
"Look I gotta wrap this up. Everyone is good with the Givings situation. Mr. Smith actually told me that you solved a problem for him, so that should go far."
"So what happens now? Are you coming back, or will someone else take over? What do I do now?"
"I don't know. I'm kinda out of the loop. Things are happening with my Delaware assignment that I need to take care of. For now, just keep staging Random Events until someone contacts you. Mr. Smith has plans, and I expect something soon, but I don't know what or when."
He got out of the car, and his phone went off again. A black SUV pulled up behind me.
"Gotta go now, Denny. I think Mr. Smith feels like he owes you one. We'll see. Take care of yourself."
He turned, got into the SUV, and drove off.
I sat there for a while, then drove off myself.
I was confused. The only thing I was sure about was that I was hungry.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Didn't See That Coming...............
I knew it would be just a matter of time before Givings called, especially after the conversation I'd had with Smith the other day. Of course, she wanted to meet at the Menlo Park Mall, in the center of the Food Court again. I got there about a half-hour early. This time, I parked around the back, in the garage area which is where I think Givings parks herself. I wanted to see if I could catch her, then gauge her mood by how she got out. I was in luck. I only had to wait about 15 minutes. I could see her from where I'd parked. She pulled in, got her briefcase and laptop from the back seat, and headed for the Mall entrance. She didn't look around at all, or she probably would have recognized my car. She just walked - quickly - straight ahead.
She was not in a good mood. I gave her a head start, then followed her in.
It think most people tend to look at themselves in store windows as they pass by - I know I do. Givings didn't. She headed straight down the hall and up to the escalator to the Second Level and the Food Court. I followed along (and I did glance at myself).
She sat there at a table in the center of the Court, in the slightly raised area, surrounded by plants and trees. There is a bit of privacy here. She had her laptop open in front of her. She didn't have a cup of coffee or a muffin. Not a good sign.
"Hey, Givings. What gives? No coffee?"
She barely glanced at me. "No, Mr. O'Neill. Not today. There won't be time for any."
"Really? So I shouldn't get anything?" Trying to lighten the mood. Didn't work.
"I'll get right to the point, Mr. O'Neill. As, I understand, you've been made aware, the Random Fire Events process has been terminated. The last one, which took place without my supervision, was poorly handled and, unfortunately, drew media attention. The People Upstairs were not happy."
She bent down to her laptop, pretending to look something up. I knew she was just trying to keep me from seeing how upset and angry she was.
"Well, we knew it was a short-term thing, didn't we?"
"Yes, Mr. O'Neill. We did. But the People Upstairs thought we could have gone for 1 or 2 more due to the severity of the winter so far. They were disappointed that this did not prove to be the case."
"Fire is unpredictable, you know. At least that's what they say on the TV programs."
She wasn't going to be calmed so easily.
"I met for several hours yesterday with the People Upstairs. Met? No...It was more of a Kangaroo Court. I was blamed for this. They see it as a failure. And coupled with the Adams Tower attempt, I am, apparently, on "Probation". They are going to give me one more chance to prove my effectiveness."
"OK. At least you get another chance. We'll come up with something."
"No, Mr. O'Neill. WE will not. This Fire Event scenario was your idea, and I still believe that the Adams Tower Event would have worked but you did something wrong in the placement of the canister. I will be doing this on my own."
I was speechless. Now I knew what dumbstruck meant.
"You're blaming me? Are you kidding? Adams Tower was your idea, and, yes, this Fire stuff was my idea, but you set them up. You set it all up." I was trying to keep from yelling, from attracting attention. She just looked at me and smirked.
"Well, you won't be setting ME up, I'll tell you that. I'm outta here." I stood up and turned towards the exit. "If you guys want to reach me, have Doyle do it."
I stormed off, back to my car, where I sat there seething. Last time we met, everything was all smiles. She met me after church, all giddy about how good things were going, and even wished me a Merry Christmas. Now, because things had gone South, she wanted to pin it all on me. Well, no way, sister.
As I sat there, I found that I was watching her car. I saw her come back, replace the briefcase and laptop in the back seat, and get in. I opened my door and walked over, taking the Flasher from my pocket.
I wanted to shake her up.
She was looking down, rummaging in her purse for something, as I tapped on her window. She looked up, startled, but saw it was me and the smirk came back. I lifted the Flasher.
Point, press, Flash.
Her head slid to the right, the smirk still there, her eyes open but empty.
That wasn't supposed to happen. Doyle had told me when we'd first met that the Flasher would not be effective on DHS employees. I just wanted to show her how mad I was.
I looked around. I didn't see anyone, so I walked back to my car. I sat there a while, trying to decide what to do. Obviously, DHS knows where I am and what just happened. They always do. Something to do with the tracking mechanisms they use.
Should I call them? What would they think? What could they do?
Moot questions. Just then, an EMS vehicle pulled into the lot area, followed by a black SUV. An EMT got out, opened Givings' car door, and looked to be feeling for a pulse. He straightened up, pulled out a cell phone, and dialed a number.
My cell went off. Confirmed.
The EMT nodded towards the black SUV. Two men got out - of course, dressed in black. One went to the EMT and one came towards me. I lowered my window.
"No reason to hang around, Mr. O'Neill." He said with a smile. "We can take it from here."
I must've looked like at idiot, staring at him, but I started the car and pulled away. As I raised the window he said...
"Have a nice day, Sir!" and snapped off a quick salute. That's when I recognized him - he was the "cop" by the fake Water Department dig outside the Adams Towers who gave me the canister.
I'm guessing someone will let me know what happens next.
I knew it would be just a matter of time before Givings called, especially after the conversation I'd had with Smith the other day. Of course, she wanted to meet at the Menlo Park Mall, in the center of the Food Court again. I got there about a half-hour early. This time, I parked around the back, in the garage area which is where I think Givings parks herself. I wanted to see if I could catch her, then gauge her mood by how she got out. I was in luck. I only had to wait about 15 minutes. I could see her from where I'd parked. She pulled in, got her briefcase and laptop from the back seat, and headed for the Mall entrance. She didn't look around at all, or she probably would have recognized my car. She just walked - quickly - straight ahead.
She was not in a good mood. I gave her a head start, then followed her in.
It think most people tend to look at themselves in store windows as they pass by - I know I do. Givings didn't. She headed straight down the hall and up to the escalator to the Second Level and the Food Court. I followed along (and I did glance at myself).
She sat there at a table in the center of the Court, in the slightly raised area, surrounded by plants and trees. There is a bit of privacy here. She had her laptop open in front of her. She didn't have a cup of coffee or a muffin. Not a good sign.
"Hey, Givings. What gives? No coffee?"
She barely glanced at me. "No, Mr. O'Neill. Not today. There won't be time for any."
"Really? So I shouldn't get anything?" Trying to lighten the mood. Didn't work.
"I'll get right to the point, Mr. O'Neill. As, I understand, you've been made aware, the Random Fire Events process has been terminated. The last one, which took place without my supervision, was poorly handled and, unfortunately, drew media attention. The People Upstairs were not happy."
She bent down to her laptop, pretending to look something up. I knew she was just trying to keep me from seeing how upset and angry she was.
"Well, we knew it was a short-term thing, didn't we?"
"Yes, Mr. O'Neill. We did. But the People Upstairs thought we could have gone for 1 or 2 more due to the severity of the winter so far. They were disappointed that this did not prove to be the case."
"Fire is unpredictable, you know. At least that's what they say on the TV programs."
She wasn't going to be calmed so easily.
"I met for several hours yesterday with the People Upstairs. Met? No...It was more of a Kangaroo Court. I was blamed for this. They see it as a failure. And coupled with the Adams Tower attempt, I am, apparently, on "Probation". They are going to give me one more chance to prove my effectiveness."
"OK. At least you get another chance. We'll come up with something."
"No, Mr. O'Neill. WE will not. This Fire Event scenario was your idea, and I still believe that the Adams Tower Event would have worked but you did something wrong in the placement of the canister. I will be doing this on my own."
I was speechless. Now I knew what dumbstruck meant.
"You're blaming me? Are you kidding? Adams Tower was your idea, and, yes, this Fire stuff was my idea, but you set them up. You set it all up." I was trying to keep from yelling, from attracting attention. She just looked at me and smirked.
"Well, you won't be setting ME up, I'll tell you that. I'm outta here." I stood up and turned towards the exit. "If you guys want to reach me, have Doyle do it."
I stormed off, back to my car, where I sat there seething. Last time we met, everything was all smiles. She met me after church, all giddy about how good things were going, and even wished me a Merry Christmas. Now, because things had gone South, she wanted to pin it all on me. Well, no way, sister.
As I sat there, I found that I was watching her car. I saw her come back, replace the briefcase and laptop in the back seat, and get in. I opened my door and walked over, taking the Flasher from my pocket.
I wanted to shake her up.
She was looking down, rummaging in her purse for something, as I tapped on her window. She looked up, startled, but saw it was me and the smirk came back. I lifted the Flasher.
Point, press, Flash.
Her head slid to the right, the smirk still there, her eyes open but empty.
That wasn't supposed to happen. Doyle had told me when we'd first met that the Flasher would not be effective on DHS employees. I just wanted to show her how mad I was.
I looked around. I didn't see anyone, so I walked back to my car. I sat there a while, trying to decide what to do. Obviously, DHS knows where I am and what just happened. They always do. Something to do with the tracking mechanisms they use.
Should I call them? What would they think? What could they do?
Moot questions. Just then, an EMS vehicle pulled into the lot area, followed by a black SUV. An EMT got out, opened Givings' car door, and looked to be feeling for a pulse. He straightened up, pulled out a cell phone, and dialed a number.
My cell went off. Confirmed.
The EMT nodded towards the black SUV. Two men got out - of course, dressed in black. One went to the EMT and one came towards me. I lowered my window.
"No reason to hang around, Mr. O'Neill." He said with a smile. "We can take it from here."
I must've looked like at idiot, staring at him, but I started the car and pulled away. As I raised the window he said...
"Have a nice day, Sir!" and snapped off a quick salute. That's when I recognized him - he was the "cop" by the fake Water Department dig outside the Adams Towers who gave me the canister.
I'm guessing someone will let me know what happens next.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Back to Basics.............
I woke up early this morning. No particular reason, but I was feeling good. All the post-holiday obligations have been tended to, the "decorations" have been put away, and what can be returned has been. We had a little more snow over the weekend, but it didn't really add anything to what we still have left over from the Big Storm just after Christmas. There is, however, the prediction for another big storm coming in tomorrow night.
Outside of a quick trip tomorrow morning for another blood test, I have no medical tests until the end of the month.
Today is a good day to do something.
I decided that I should take this opportunity to take some of those pictures that I want to add to previous posts. I went through my usual routine, then headed for the Menlo Park Mall. Almost all of my meetings with Givings have been held there, and I figured to get some shots before the mall opened and the shoppers showed up. I drove over, parked by Barnes & Nobles, and entered the mall on that side. There were a few mall walkers here, but I had no problem taking several shots in the Food Court - we sat in several different areas over the last few months. I tried not to be too obvious, and no one seemed to be interested in what I was doing. I ended my session with a photo of the small snack area outside of Nordstrom's, on the lower level, and headed back to the exit by Barnes & Nobles. When I got there, I saw a woman, sitting by herself, on one of the benches. There was no one walking in this end of the mall, and she couldn't be seen from the main corridor, anyway. I took out the Flasher.
I walked into the hallway leading to the exit. I stopped, listening for any sounds of someone approaching. Nothing. I couldn't see if anyone was in the main corridor, but, then again, they couldn't see me. I hurried up. Closer. Closer. Almost right behind her. She hadn't appeared to move. Still bent over as if she were reading something. Point, press, Flash.
I kept walked - quickly - through the two exit doors, then turned right into Barnes & Nobles. I waited just inside the door there, but no one walked by, and no one came rushing out. I walked through the store, out into the parking lot, and got into my car. I had some prescriptions to pick up at the WalMart pharmacy on Route 9. As I drove away, my phone chimed. When I got to WalMart I checked. Confirmed.
I was hungry, so I ate a quick breakfast at the Dunkin' Donuts next to the WalMart. I was feeling good, and it was still early, so I decided to check out a couple of the Woodbridge Library satellites. I started at the one on Ford's Avenue, then went to Route 1, turned off on Green Street, and stopped at the Iselin branch.
On my way out, I found I was behind an older man who was obviously going to the parking lot - just like me. I kept the distance between us and looked around. We were the only ones in sight. The parking lot is on the side of the building without windows, and set in far enough off Green Street that it's not easily visible. I took out the Flasher.
The man was parked on the far side between 2 other cars. He stopped to open his door, and I closed the distance. He never looked my way. Just got into his car, and leaned over to put his books on the passenger seat. I got closer. He sat up and reached over to pull his door closed. Point, press, Flash. I turned to my car and heard the "click" as his door shut. No one was around. I didn't see any cars drive by. I got in my car, and drove out. Green Street to Oak Tree Lane to Wood Avenue to Iselin Avenue. Confirmed at the Colonia branch.
Time to head home.
.............................................................................................................................................................
I was sitting in the living room around 5:00, trying to decide how to write this up, when my phone rang. James. I answered.
"Mr. O'Neill do you have your television on?" Surprisingly, it was the man I knew as Smith - one of the People Upstairs.
"What? I'm sorry. I don't.."
"It's very simple, Mr. O'Neill. Do you have your television on?"
"Yes."
"Good. Please turn it to Channel 7. The news is on, and there is a segment coming up in approximately 2 minutes."
I used the remote. The female commentator was doing a lead-in.
"Just in time, Mr. O'Neill. These are pictures of a large fire that took place this morning. No loss of life, but it sprerad to 3 adjoining homes causing a great deal of damage."
"And you wanted me to see this because..?"
"Because it is one of ours, Mr. O'Neill. It was set in motion by Ms. Givings on Friday. Unfortunately, there has been a death in her family and she had to go back to Indiana. This was left in the "capable" hands of her team. It is now under investigation due to the property damage."
"Is that a problem?"
"No. They won't find anything. But these Fire Events are starting to get media attention, and that can't be tolerated."
"Again, I have to ask, why are you telling me?"
"Because Ms. Givings is not here. I felt you should be made aware of the end of this particular effort. Givings is due back on Wednesday, and we will meet to discuss what should be done next. Frankly, I am not happy with her performance to date, but that is a matter for the full committee. I want you to know that this in no way reflects badly on you. We are pleased with your contributions. In fact, I see that you were out and about this morning. Please keep up the good work."
He hung up before I could say anything.
I guess I'll have to wait to hear from Givings. Or someone.
I woke up early this morning. No particular reason, but I was feeling good. All the post-holiday obligations have been tended to, the "decorations" have been put away, and what can be returned has been. We had a little more snow over the weekend, but it didn't really add anything to what we still have left over from the Big Storm just after Christmas. There is, however, the prediction for another big storm coming in tomorrow night.
Outside of a quick trip tomorrow morning for another blood test, I have no medical tests until the end of the month.
Today is a good day to do something.
I decided that I should take this opportunity to take some of those pictures that I want to add to previous posts. I went through my usual routine, then headed for the Menlo Park Mall. Almost all of my meetings with Givings have been held there, and I figured to get some shots before the mall opened and the shoppers showed up. I drove over, parked by Barnes & Nobles, and entered the mall on that side. There were a few mall walkers here, but I had no problem taking several shots in the Food Court - we sat in several different areas over the last few months. I tried not to be too obvious, and no one seemed to be interested in what I was doing. I ended my session with a photo of the small snack area outside of Nordstrom's, on the lower level, and headed back to the exit by Barnes & Nobles. When I got there, I saw a woman, sitting by herself, on one of the benches. There was no one walking in this end of the mall, and she couldn't be seen from the main corridor, anyway. I took out the Flasher.
I walked into the hallway leading to the exit. I stopped, listening for any sounds of someone approaching. Nothing. I couldn't see if anyone was in the main corridor, but, then again, they couldn't see me. I hurried up. Closer. Closer. Almost right behind her. She hadn't appeared to move. Still bent over as if she were reading something. Point, press, Flash.
I kept walked - quickly - through the two exit doors, then turned right into Barnes & Nobles. I waited just inside the door there, but no one walked by, and no one came rushing out. I walked through the store, out into the parking lot, and got into my car. I had some prescriptions to pick up at the WalMart pharmacy on Route 9. As I drove away, my phone chimed. When I got to WalMart I checked. Confirmed.
I was hungry, so I ate a quick breakfast at the Dunkin' Donuts next to the WalMart. I was feeling good, and it was still early, so I decided to check out a couple of the Woodbridge Library satellites. I started at the one on Ford's Avenue, then went to Route 1, turned off on Green Street, and stopped at the Iselin branch.
On my way out, I found I was behind an older man who was obviously going to the parking lot - just like me. I kept the distance between us and looked around. We were the only ones in sight. The parking lot is on the side of the building without windows, and set in far enough off Green Street that it's not easily visible. I took out the Flasher.
The man was parked on the far side between 2 other cars. He stopped to open his door, and I closed the distance. He never looked my way. Just got into his car, and leaned over to put his books on the passenger seat. I got closer. He sat up and reached over to pull his door closed. Point, press, Flash. I turned to my car and heard the "click" as his door shut. No one was around. I didn't see any cars drive by. I got in my car, and drove out. Green Street to Oak Tree Lane to Wood Avenue to Iselin Avenue. Confirmed at the Colonia branch.
Time to head home.
.............................................................................................................................................................
I was sitting in the living room around 5:00, trying to decide how to write this up, when my phone rang. James. I answered.
"Mr. O'Neill do you have your television on?" Surprisingly, it was the man I knew as Smith - one of the People Upstairs.
"What? I'm sorry. I don't.."
"It's very simple, Mr. O'Neill. Do you have your television on?"
"Yes."
"Good. Please turn it to Channel 7. The news is on, and there is a segment coming up in approximately 2 minutes."
I used the remote. The female commentator was doing a lead-in.
"Just in time, Mr. O'Neill. These are pictures of a large fire that took place this morning. No loss of life, but it sprerad to 3 adjoining homes causing a great deal of damage."
"And you wanted me to see this because..?"
"Because it is one of ours, Mr. O'Neill. It was set in motion by Ms. Givings on Friday. Unfortunately, there has been a death in her family and she had to go back to Indiana. This was left in the "capable" hands of her team. It is now under investigation due to the property damage."
"Is that a problem?"
"No. They won't find anything. But these Fire Events are starting to get media attention, and that can't be tolerated."
"Again, I have to ask, why are you telling me?"
"Because Ms. Givings is not here. I felt you should be made aware of the end of this particular effort. Givings is due back on Wednesday, and we will meet to discuss what should be done next. Frankly, I am not happy with her performance to date, but that is a matter for the full committee. I want you to know that this in no way reflects badly on you. We are pleased with your contributions. In fact, I see that you were out and about this morning. Please keep up the good work."
He hung up before I could say anything.
I guess I'll have to wait to hear from Givings. Or someone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
